The 2023 NBA Summer League is in the books, and it gave a number of players the opportunity to flash their potential and possibly earn a spot in the Association.
The Lakers had a mix of can’t-miss players, prospects looking to get playing time with Los Angeles and those fighting for a spot somewhere in the league.
Jalen Hood-Schifino was taken with the No. 17 pick in June’s draft, and everyone was eager to get a first glimpse during summer league play. While he’s far from a finished product, he showed he clearly has promise.
Hood-Schifino was a mixed bag, but a promising one
The reaction to the Lakers choosing Schifino in the draft seemed mixed. Therefore, there was a great deal of intrigue about how he would do in his first pro basketball games.
He started slowly in the first game of the California Classic, but he played much better in the second half, especially offensively. Two days later, he scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting.
In the five games played in Las Vegas, the Indiana University guard was up and down. He shot well in one game versus the Charlotte Hornets, and his worst performance came on July 17 when he went 3-of-17 against the Memphis Grizzlies. He was held out of the Lakers’ last game because of a right groin strain.
One of his strengths is his ability to score one-on-one from the midrange area. At times, he showed an improved ability to connect on shots at or near the rim, as well as the ability to get to the hoop in the first place.
This scoop 'n score by Lakers' first round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/DBoz0KBEAL
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 3, 2023
In college, Hood-Schifino struggled with his outside shooting. He was somewhat better during summer league play, connecting on 35% of his 3.5 3-point attempts per game.
Lakers first round pick, Jalen Hood-Schifino bangs in the step-back 3 💦
Watch #NBA2KSummerLeague on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/cGzsaJA1Lx
— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2023
However, his free-throw shooting is very concerning. He made a solid 77.6 percent of his foul shots in his lone season at Indiana, but in his four games in Las Vegas, he was at a very poor 46.2%.
It’s also clear after summer league play that he isn’t really a primary facilitator, although he can set up his teammates in certain situations. One positive is his low turnover rate. He committed five turnovers in the second contest of the California Classic, but other than that, he seldom gave the ball away.
Lakers 1st-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino didn't need to look for this dime🫣 pic.twitter.com/cO7J7OpZPM
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 9, 2023
At 6 feet, 6 inches and 215 pounds, he is thought to have terrific defensive potential, and he flashed it at times.
Jalen Hood-Schifino with the rejection 🚫
The 2023 California Classic is underway on ESPN2! pic.twitter.com/HUo9PSaQHR
— NBA (@NBA) July 3, 2023
Hood-Schifino likely will not get much playing time this season with the big-league Lakers unless they have a rash of injuries. But with his character and work ethic, he could become a solid or even a very good player within a few years.
Final Grade: C-plus
